University of Mich. setting up shop in California

ANN ARBOR, Mich. 
The University of Michigan is setting up shop in California, with an MBA program being run out of a Beverly Hills hotel.

The Ann Arbor school said its Stephen M. Ross School of Business will offer a 20-month Executive MBA program that will meet once a month starting this fall at the Beverly Wilshire. The school said this week that the program will present the first opportunity to earn one of its degrees outside of the state.

"This West Coast expansion allows us to build on a strong alumni presence in the region (and) respond to a market need," Alison Davis-Blake, dean of the Ross School of Business, said in a statement.

Nearly 4,000 Ross School of Business alumni live and work in California, and the curriculum in California will be similar to that offered in Ann Arbor. The home of the Wolverines said its California location allows executives who might not otherwise travel to Michigan for the program to earn a degree.

Davis-Blake said "candidates spend more time learning, less time commuting."

Applications are being accepted. Following the addition of the MBA program in California, Michigan said it may add other off-site programs in the near future.